Faculty in IHSD conduct interdisciplinary research to generate high-quality evidence to inform the design and implementation of context-specific strategies and interventions. Our research approach emphasizes implementation sciences, program monitoring and evaluation, and generating evidence for learning and adaptation of programs and interventions. We recognize that sustainable socio-economic development is a key driver of reducing health disparities in morbidity and mortality within and across countries. In the IHSD department, sustainable development encompasses the development of the health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which include, but are not limited to, building capacity for health and public health professionals, strengthening health systems to improve access, quality, and equity in care, and improving health information systems to improve health surveillance and response. Through the development lens, faculty in IHSD conduct research on a wide range of topics, from family planning/reproductive health, maternal and child health, HIV and infectious diseases, to food security, resilience, and complex emergencies.
Employing a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, our faculty investigates systems-level issues, in addition to individual-level factors, that influence health and development. Our work spans the globe and fosters valued connections with partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, as well as the United States. Our research portfolio continues to grow and change from year to year. Recent examples are listed below.
Research Projects
Recently Completed Projects
MEASURE Evaluation was a partnership among Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Palladium Group, ICF, John Snow, Inc., Management Sciences for Health, and Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with the mandate to strengthen health systems in low-resource settings.
Research Centers
The Center for Study of Displaced Populations is a new center established in 2016 that studies individuals and families in transition. The principal study is "Demographic and Health Disparities in Recovery from Hurricane Katrina: KATRINA@10." The NIH-funded KATRINA@10 Program consists of an interrelated set of three primary data collection projects that focus on one specific sub-population who were uniquely affected by Hurricane Katrina; two secondary analyses of data that are more broadly representative of the overall affected population; and three cores to support the set of research projects.
The Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center aims to compile a rigorous evidence base for highly vulnerable children (HVC) programs and policy decision-making. Monitoring and evaluation support, technical assistance, and capacity building are central to our work as we seek to support the abilities of governments, communities, and families to provide evidence-informed, quality care for HVC.
The Center for Reproductive Health Policies and Programs aims to increase access to quality reproductive health services in low- and middle-income countries. Through a continuous cycle of applied research and evidence-based programming, the Center works closely with government, NGO partners, and other stakeholders to achieve this objective.
